Machakos to host Chapa Dimba Eastern finals

The Chapa Dimba Na Safaricom third edition regional finals series will enter its fourth round on February 8 to 9 with Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos set to host the Eastern Region finals.

The 2019 champions, Super Solico from Kitui and St. Mary’s Ndovea of Makueni were both eliminated at the grassroots, paving way for new winners to be crowned at this year’s third edition.

Meru County champions Black Panther FC, St. Daniel’s High School from Chuka, Tumaini Secondary school of Makueni and Moyale’s Biashara FC will battle it out in the boys’ semi final.

In the girl’s semis, inaugural regional champions Ngaaka Talents from Makueni will be out to reclaim their lost glory against Chuka Univerisity Starlets, Isiolo Queens and Maabuu Queens from Moyale.

The tournament’s Eastern Region coordinator Iddi Badi has predicted a tough championship as he believes all the teams have strong squads good enough to challenge for the title.

“This season, the stakes are high. Unlike the previous seasons, the team’s documentation was in order which allowed us to register a high number of teams intensifying the competition,” said Iddi Badi.

The two-day event will be preceded by life skills and mentorship clinics for the players on Friday February 7.

The regional winners will receive a cash reward of Sh. 200,000 each and a chance to represent the region in the tournament’s national finals set for June. The runners- up will also pocket Sh. 100,000 each plus multiple prizes.

Already, North Eastern’s Berlin FC from Garissa and Coast region’s Yanga FC from Malindi and Kwale Ladies and Central’s Falling Waters FC and Ulinzi Youth have booked their spots for the national finals where Sh. 1million grand prize is up for grabs

An all-star team comprising of 32 boys and girls will at the end of the regional finals be selected to attend a 10-day training camp in Spain where they will play against top Spanish La Liga Football Academies.

This season, two coaching and scouting clinics conducted by certified La Liga coaches are featuring in the tournament. The first one was held in Mombasa and the next clinic is set for February 22 and 23 in Nairobi.